Greenville sled dog race postponed due to rain

The eighth annual Plum Creek Wilderness Sled Dog Race in Greenville, originally scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 2, has been postponed one week due to the effects of warm rainy weather on trail conditions. Race organizers’ primary concern is the safety of sled dog teams.

Snow predicted for next week should bring trails back to prime shape for the event’s new date, Feb. 9.

BDN Photo by Diana Bowley Lidia Dale-Mesaros of Campton, N.H. waits for the count down to the 30-Mile Wilderness Sled Dog Race held in Greenville in February 2010.

The 100-mile race will start at 9 a.m. at Leisure Life Resort Motel on Leisure Life Road in Greenville. A 30-mile race sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank will begin at 10 a.m.,
with smaller dog teams.

Spectators are welcome to come early to mingle with the dogs and get a great spot along on the race chute to watch the start of one of only three long-distance sled dog races in New England.

Teams will not be traveling on Moosehead Lake this year. Instead, they’ll head directly into the mountains. Race organizers have pinpointed several locations that are good for spectator viewing.

One suggested spot for viewing can be reached by traveling on Pleasant Street past the airport, over Wilson Stream and beyond Rum Ridge about four miles to the Appalachian Mountain Club’s winter parking lot. Park there and cross-country ski in on the trail approximately 1.3 miles.

The second suggested location for spectator viewing can be reached by driving north on Lily Bay Road toward Kokadjo, then turn on Frenchtown Road and drive 12 miles to the West Branch Pond Camps.

In addition to the races, the event will feature sled dog race video, snowshoe races for children, educational programs and activities, refreshments and an evening bonfire to welcome back the racers. Trailside Restaurant at Leisure Life Resort will be open that day to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.